All hearings shall be conducted by a majority of the members of the Commission, except that the Commission, upon a finding that a majority is not available to conduct a hearing in a timely fashion, may direct that less than a majority of the Commission conduct a hearing. The Chairman or the Chairman's designee shall be the presiding officer at hearings. The presiding officer shall, in consultation with other members of the Commission, permit the examination of witnesses, admit evidence, rule on the admissibility of evidence, and adjourn or recess the hearing from time to time.